Is Tirupati Turning Into a 'River of Liquor?' A New Controversy Brews
Another controversy has erupted in Tirupati, and this time it’s not about the prasadam but liquor licenses. After the outrage over allegations of animal fat being mixed in the sacred prasadam, a new issue has emerged, causing a stir. YSR Congress MP M. Gurumoorthy has publicly accused the Chandrababu Naidu government of granting a large number of liquor licenses in the holy city of Tirupati. Taking to Twitter, Gurumoorthy shared a government gazette revealing that the highest number of liquor licenses in Andhra Pradesh has been issued in Tirupati. His question is sharp: "Is opening 227 liquor shops a way to protect Sanatan Dharma?"
Gurumoorthy's tweet has fueled a heated debate. He shared a government document detailing the issuance of liquor licenses, showing that Tirupati is set to host 227 liquor stores, more than any other district in the state. This has raised eyebrows, especially in a city known for its religious significance.
The Backdrop: Sacredness Under Scrutiny
Recently, the purity of prasadam in Tirupati was questioned, leading to a nationwide controversy. The possibility of prasadam containing animal fat had devotees questioning the sanctity of the offerings. In response, purification rituals and yagnas were conducted to restore the purity of the temple and its offerings.
But while the focus has been on preserving the sacredness of prasadam, MP Gurumoorthy has thrown a curveball. He questions whether protecting the temple's purity is limited to just preventing contamination in the food, while on the other hand, the government is flooding the city with liquor shops.
Gurumoorthy's Explosive Allegations
According to the document shared by Gurumoorthy, the Andhra Pradesh government has awarded a whopping 227 liquor shop licenses in Tirupati alone. In his tweet, Gurumoorthy sarcastically points out that those who talk about protecting Sanatan Dharma are the very ones opening liquor shops in the holiest of cities.
His words cut deep, asking whether this is truly how we are supposed to safeguard Sanatan Dharma. The tweet has sparked an intense debate, as many question how a pilgrimage city like Tirupati, a symbol of Hindu purity, is being associated with such high numbers of liquor licenses.
It's Not Just Tirupati
This controversy is not limited to Tirupati alone. A reality check across various pilgrimage cities in India reveals a similar trend—where liquor, despite being considered a sin in religious terms, is a major source of revenue for the state. While alcohol sales boost state finances, the question remains whether the economic benefits justify allowing liquor sales in religious hubs. In many cases, it seems that the importance of revenue has outweighed religious and health concerns.
